A three-member team of archaeological experts constituted by the govt assessed the site proposed for the construction of Vallalar International Centre at Vadalur in Cuddalore district on Tuesday.

The govt’s action to constitute a committee came after an order by Madras high court while hearing a petition pleading for a direction to the govt to drop its plan to construct the centre at the proposed site. The high court directed the experts to submit a report of their findings on whether there were any structures of archaeological importance underneath the site to the govt before May 10. It directed the govt to act according to the findings.

The team led by state archaeology department deputy director R Sivanandan, with officials of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment, surveyed the foundation pit which was dug to construct the centre. The pit contained ancient wall-like structures, triggering speculation that structures of archaeological importance are indeed underneath the site.
The team and officials assessed the site for more than an hour.

The team is expected to submit a report to the high court on May 9. The govt had proposed to construct the centre at Vadalur for 100 crore.

However, different sections of people, Sathya Gnana Sabhai management and a few political parties objected to the proposal.